The holidays, for many, is a time of celebration, tradition and reunion, when food and gifts are shared to express care and appreciation for each other. For others, however, the holidays are neither joyous nor comfortable. With so many neighbors struggling, perhaps this is the year to consider alternatives to traditional gift giving.

To find opportunities for giving, one needs to look no further than the community. Donations can always be made on behalf or in honor of someone special, and the gift of one’s time, energy, experience and enthusiasm most often brings as much fulfillment to the giver as it does to the recipient.

For someone whose love of animals brings joy to his or her life, consider a donation in his/her name to the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society. In addition to cat, dog, rabbit and guinea pig food, donations of items such as cat litter, paper towels and trash bags, as well as cleaning and office supplies are always appreciated. Items such as blankets, towels, washcloths, and pet toys will also help to improve the quality of life for the animals who are cared for at the Lewiston facility.

Opportunities for volunteerism at the Human Society abound and range from basic care and socialization of the animals to greeting visitors, office work and event planning.

A simple way to support the Humane Society on a daily basis is through the Adopt-A-Kennel Program. In honor of your donation, a personalized tag is placed on the cat, dog, rabbit or other pet condo of your choice.

For more information regarding how you can give a gift to the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society this holiday season, visit them at their 55 Strawberry Avenue facility, online at www.SavingPetsInMaine.org, or call 783-2311.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine provide a positive and safe place for kids to spend their time when they are not in school. The Auburn/Lewiston Clubhouse offers afterschool programs for children ages 7 to 18 in which youngsters and young adults can find help with homework at the learning center, create something in the art room, stay fit in the gymnasium and enjoy a nutritious snack every day. Although there is a $5 per year membership fee, no child is ever turned away because they cannot pay. Perhaps you might consider sponsoring a child for a year, or consider giving the gift of your time to kids in need of guidance and help with homework.

Monetary and other donations to The Boys & Girls Club are always appreciated, and the “wishlist” at the Clubhouse includes art supplies, digital cameras, musical instruments, “E” rated video games, pool sticks, pingpong balls and educational books with worksheets that can be used during homework time.

If you would like to give the gift of your support to The Boys & Girls Club, please visit them at 43 Second Street in Auburn, at their Web site www.bgcmaine.org, or call 795-6713.

The Hope Haven Gospel Mission, according to its Web site, is “more than just a homeless shelter … a mission of the heart where miracles take place.” When asked what gifts one could give, Dr. Paul McLaughlin asks first for prayers. Volunteers are also welcome and appreciated. In support of its mission to provide shelter, meals, hope and recovery 365 days a year to those in need, Hope Haven Gospel Mission would be grateful for donations of supplies including plastic tableware, paper towels, 30-gallon trash bags, sandwich bags, toilet paper, shampoo, razors, feminine products, toys, diapers, blankets, twin-size sheets and pillow cases.

To find out how you can give a gift that will bring help and hope to many, please stop by the Hope Haven Gospel Mission at 209 Lincoln Street in Lewiston, visit their Web site www.hopehavengospelmission.org, or call 713-8217.

Community Concepts’ mission is “to coordinate, collaborate and to focus resources to help people in need build opportunities for a better tomorrow.” With offices in Auburn, Rumford and South Paris, Community Concepts offers services including child care, family support and education through programs including HeadStart; affordable housing, homeownership, home improvement and construction including self-help housing projects where families build each others homes; economic development through business lending and other assistance to small businesses; and transportation.

Although volunteers are always appreciated, financial support is necessary and gives Community Concepts the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed. Monetary donations allow for the provision of a large variety of services and make matching funds from other sources possible. To learn more about Community Concepts and how you can help to provide “a better tomorrow” for your community, please visit them on the Web at www.community-concepts.org or call 1-800-866-5588.

Opportunities for alternative gift giving are everywhere. Given these difficult times, perhaps it is time to start a new tradition this holiday season.